Columbia News

Rep. Mark Alford, who represents Missouri’s 4th district in the U.S. Congress, posted a series of statements on September 30, 2025, criticizing Democratic lawmakers over the potential for a government shutdown.

In his first post at 13:05 UTC, Alford wrote, "$1 BILLION a week. That’s what America loses when Democrats play shutdown games.

Travel, jobs, small businesses — all on the line. MO-04 can’t afford the Left’s political theater. Time to stop the madness and put America FIRST!"

Later that day at 14:18 UTC, Alford stated, "We laid the foundation to keep government open with a clean CR. Democrats killed it. Now they’re holding America hostage.

The American people see through the spin — this will be a Schumer Shutdown. "

At 15:25 UTC, he added, "@POTUS and @HouseGOP are working to keep America open and strong.

Democrats have ZERO excuse for a shutdown that hurts families, veterans, and workers!

It’s time for them to quit with the political games and put the American people first."

Alford's comments come amid heightened tensions in Congress as lawmakers debate measures to avoid a federal government shutdown. He attributes responsibility for any closure to Democratic opposition to what he describes as a "clean CR," or continuing resolution—a temporary funding measure often used by Congress to keep agencies running while longer-term appropriations are negotiated.

Alford has represented Missouri’s 4th District since 2023 after succeeding Vicky Hartzler. He was born in Baytown, Texas in 1963 and currently resides in Lake Winnebago. Alford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin (1988).